Ryder out of ICU, feeling 'heaps better'

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has been moved out of the intensive care unit and has reassured his well-wishers that he is feeling "heaps better" and overwhelmed by the number of messages wishing him a speedy recovery from his assault on Wednesday night in Christchurch. Ryder is in a stable condition in a ward at the Christchurch hospital.

"I just want to let everyone know that I'm ok. I feel heaps better today but still really tired," Ryder stated in a press release by New Zealand Cricket. "I've been reading your messages that have been sent so thank you to everyone for thinking of me over the last few days.

"I want to thank everyone who has been caring for me at the hospital - they have been awesome. Thank you to my family and friends who have been here also."

Ryder's manager, Aaron Klee, said the batsman may not be making further statements in the immediate future, as he focuses on his recovery.

"Now that Jesse is out of intensive care, we aren't planning on providing further updates in the media, as it is time for Jesse to focus on his recovery and getting back to full health," Klee said.

Ryder had come out of his induced coma on Saturday and had begun talking again and breathing without the assistance of the ventilator. Earlier on Thursday, he had given a 'thumbs up' sign to the neurosurgeon and had started interacting with his family and manager.

Klee said on Sunday that Ryder was itching to get out of hospital when told of how the country was worrying about his welfare.

"He's been quite cheeky. We've had some giggles this afternoon, mainly one-word-type conversations," Klee told the New Zealand Herald. "I've told him he's one of the most talked-about people in New Zealand.

"He asked me about cricket but I just said to him, 'It's going to be a while before you are playing cricket, mate'."

Ryder had gone with team-mates to Aikmans Bar in Merivale where around 12.30am, while making his way to join other Wellington players at a nearby McDonalds, he had been attacked twice in the space of a few minutes, suffering heavy blows to the head and chest that left him with a skull fracture and a collapsed lung.

Police have arrested two men in connection with the assaults, a 20-year-old Christchurch resident and a 37-year-old relative who was visiting the city. They have been bailed to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday, April 4.

Great News.
Hope, like Yuvi earlier, we see 100% recovery and Ryder back in the field soon.
Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on March 31, 2013, 11:14 GMT

Hi Jesse mate, thank you for taking time and acknowledging our messages. I'm very happy that you are out of ICU and are able to articulate what you want to say. This is great news. Great to know that you are recovering well from that brutal assault. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Cricket can wait Jesse. Love from India.

bestway_forward
on March 31, 2013, 10:27 GMT

Great Great news to begin my day.. as my previous wishes will be the ultimate wishes again " wishing you a complete and speedy recovery" Take a good care of yourself Jesse.. Hope to see you back in competitive cricket soon with your flamboyant style of play. Best of luck be always with you jesse!!!!!

enguru
on March 31, 2013, 7:25 GMT

This is Great News. Jesse, You are a "wonderful to watch" attacking batman. I wish that you play Test Cricket for New Zealand very soon again. I pray GOD and Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Recover completely and fully Jesse, cricket will always be there you will be back.

sukantc
on April 6, 2013, 21:45 GMT

Best of luck for your cricketing future. I wish you a happy personal life. Get well soon and waiting to see you in the cricketing field.
Sukant Chakraborty an Indian cricket fan

777aditya
on April 2, 2013, 5:44 GMT

When I first read about the attacks on Ryder, I had a sinking feeling something bad was going to happen, judging the way life in general has panned out for him. Really extremely happy and relieved to here this great news! Hope Ryder's return to cricket will be as much celebrated as Yuvi's - he has defeated death too!

Nampally
on April 1, 2013, 20:56 GMT

Great news! Fractured skull & Collapsed Lung - What sort of people are these 2 thugs who beat him up? One 37 year old "Relative"! With relatives like these who needs enemies. Sad reflection on the society we live in. Keep up the progress, Jesse!. This time you are fighting to recover from real life, 0-2. Another strike, you would have been out. Fractured skull means long term recovery from possible concussion, blood clots, etc. From experience I can tell you that looking upwards at the high catches will cause you some dizziness for few months. Sometimes bowling fast can also cause this dizziness. So the road to recovery may be slow even after you get out of hospital & start rehab. Good Luck. I do hope the 2 guys arrested get a term in jail.

on April 1, 2013, 9:35 GMT

Fantastic news - hope to see him back playing cricket in the near future and eventaully back in the NZ team - Des from OZ

on April 1, 2013, 7:27 GMT

Get receover soon, we all waiting for your stylish and attacking batting on this IPL Version 6 Delhi Daredevils , when we hear the news last week we really shocked... one of our favorite crickets from New Zeeland....
VEERA FROM INDIAN

bharat247
on March 31, 2013, 23:35 GMT

All the very best Jesse. Cricket fans the world over are praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon. The IPL and IPL fans will miss you, mate.

Sunjay007
on April 1, 2013, 10:02 GMT

Great News.
Hope, like Yuvi earlier, we see 100% recovery and Ryder back in the field soon.
Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on March 31, 2013, 11:14 GMT

Hi Jesse mate, thank you for taking time and acknowledging our messages. I'm very happy that you are out of ICU and are able to articulate what you want to say. This is great news. Great to know that you are recovering well from that brutal assault. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Cricket can wait Jesse. Love from India.

bestway_forward
on March 31, 2013, 10:27 GMT

Great Great news to begin my day.. as my previous wishes will be the ultimate wishes again " wishing you a complete and speedy recovery" Take a good care of yourself Jesse.. Hope to see you back in competitive cricket soon with your flamboyant style of play. Best of luck be always with you jesse!!!!!

enguru
on March 31, 2013, 7:25 GMT

This is Great News. Jesse, You are a "wonderful to watch" attacking batman. I wish that you play Test Cricket for New Zealand very soon again. I pray GOD and Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Recover completely and fully Jesse, cricket will always be there you will be back.

sukantc
on April 6, 2013, 21:45 GMT

Best of luck for your cricketing future. I wish you a happy personal life. Get well soon and waiting to see you in the cricketing field.
Sukant Chakraborty an Indian cricket fan

777aditya
on April 2, 2013, 5:44 GMT

When I first read about the attacks on Ryder, I had a sinking feeling something bad was going to happen, judging the way life in general has panned out for him. Really extremely happy and relieved to here this great news! Hope Ryder's return to cricket will be as much celebrated as Yuvi's - he has defeated death too!

Nampally
on April 1, 2013, 20:56 GMT

Great news! Fractured skull & Collapsed Lung - What sort of people are these 2 thugs who beat him up? One 37 year old "Relative"! With relatives like these who needs enemies. Sad reflection on the society we live in. Keep up the progress, Jesse!. This time you are fighting to recover from real life, 0-2. Another strike, you would have been out. Fractured skull means long term recovery from possible concussion, blood clots, etc. From experience I can tell you that looking upwards at the high catches will cause you some dizziness for few months. Sometimes bowling fast can also cause this dizziness. So the road to recovery may be slow even after you get out of hospital & start rehab. Good Luck. I do hope the 2 guys arrested get a term in jail.

on April 1, 2013, 9:35 GMT

Fantastic news - hope to see him back playing cricket in the near future and eventaully back in the NZ team - Des from OZ

on April 1, 2013, 7:27 GMT

Get receover soon, we all waiting for your stylish and attacking batting on this IPL Version 6 Delhi Daredevils , when we hear the news last week we really shocked... one of our favorite crickets from New Zeeland....
VEERA FROM INDIAN

bharat247
on March 31, 2013, 23:35 GMT

All the very best Jesse. Cricket fans the world over are praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon. The IPL and IPL fans will miss you, mate.

Raju_Iyer
on March 31, 2013, 22:33 GMT

They say there is great power in prayer. It is wonderful to see that the prayers of many across the globe (and many thanks to the IPL for making Jesse popular with a larger world wide audience) have been answered. If he recovers well, it would be wonderful to have him on a video clip saying a few words to his fans during the closing ceremony of the IPL. A salute to the uniting power of the game!

on March 31, 2013, 21:50 GMT

get well soon jese
all the best fr the future

KK47
on March 31, 2013, 21:14 GMT

I remember Jesse Ryder while he was playing for my team RCB in the IPL. Strong player and a very good striker of the ball. He had the ingredients to go big as an opener. I hope he recovers soon and returns to professional cricket.

on March 31, 2013, 19:37 GMT

Get well Soon Jesse..the world cricket needs you badly..

dilsam75
on March 31, 2013, 19:14 GMT

Great news mate!!hope to see you in good shape soon. will pray for you...!!!

on March 31, 2013, 16:22 GMT

I wish you a speedy recovery.

AKS286
on March 31, 2013, 15:44 GMT

Thanks Doctors !!!! great news. Every fan wants to see you in international Cricket.
Get well soon !, Everyone is happy with your recovery. God Bless You Jesse. The fans from whole world is wishing good for your Health.

micklem
on March 31, 2013, 14:53 GMT

Hopes Jesse Ryder will be on feild very soon and in full swing.

shahbazhussain
on March 31, 2013, 13:28 GMT

Great news! get well soon mate. I was shocked when I heard the assault news. Being father, I want my kids to take part in sports may be cricket/hockey or football and when I heard that you were assaulted I was shocked and it popped me to think alternative professions for my kids. I do hope the security of players will improve in near future as they are very hot target for such angry fans who dont have any feeling but want to hurt others. Players are human too. They also have family and emotions like everybody. So why we take them very serious? There should be a campaign in all sports to educate fans how to react after any defeat/low performance and anything that could make them angry. Cricinfo please publish my comment so people will know more about my idea. I would like cricinfo's writers to write some content on "fan education" following this incident. Thanks Love from Pakistan.

kitten
on March 31, 2013, 13:21 GMT

Greeting from Toronto!! Great news Jesse. I am sure everything will be hunky dory from now on. Just concentrate on your speedy recovery, and we hope to see you back on the field whenever the time is right. Very happy for you and your family. God Bless you all. Cheers!!

on March 31, 2013, 13:14 GMT

one of the more vibrant personalities in today's game... here's to a full recovery, and the hope that you'll be able to reach greater heights as a batsman. Hope you're back in the international side soon, Jesse. I have a good feeling about the next-gen NZ test squad as it is, and with you in it, in full flow, great things could be expected :) Despite being a rabid Indian fan, you're one of my favourite players. GET BACK SOON.

on March 31, 2013, 12:47 GMT

Get well soon, mate hope to see you playing again very soon !!! All the best

sherishahmir
on March 31, 2013, 12:24 GMT

One of the very talented and explosive batsman in the current lot of blackcaps, probably better than Ross Taylor, wishing u full recovery soon & hoping this incident will also proved turning point to your cricketing career and u will also be able to overcome disciplinary issues too and will become the backbone of your team batting like Martin Crowe/Rutherford were used in past.

on March 31, 2013, 12:11 GMT

Very good news. get well soon & wishing to see you in the middle once again :)

IDREESAFRIDI
on March 31, 2013, 11:53 GMT

Good to hear this fantastic news. Get well soon buddy as we want to see you play again. Our sincere prayers r with u. A well wisher from Pakistan

on March 31, 2013, 11:41 GMT

Hey Jessie, wishing u a speedy recovery and hoping to see u soon in action!! Get well soon.

Whatsgoinoffoutthere
on March 31, 2013, 11:19 GMT

Get well soon Jesse. You don't know how relieved this Englishman was when you decided not to play in the last round of games - that would have been all it would have taken to knock us over.

jd-60
on March 31, 2013, 11:01 GMT

Hey Jesse, It's great to hear the good news. Get better soon...
NZ and all ye mates need ya! Best of Luck & God Bless!!

riverlime
on March 31, 2013, 10:48 GMT

I am happy that such an iconic and exciting player is well and safe again. I hope he gets back to doing what he does best, and that is pounding bowlers into submission.

heretic
on March 31, 2013, 10:03 GMT

Happy to hear you are doing well Jesse. Wish you a speedy recovery and quick return to international cricket.

on March 31, 2013, 9:24 GMT

great news mate, will love to see you bat soon

on March 31, 2013, 8:34 GMT

just one line for you - want to see you bat again!

Pathiyal
on March 31, 2013, 8:24 GMT

thats great news!!! we also feel a bit relieved to read this. wish him a great future too.

on March 31, 2013, 7:55 GMT

Good to hear, get well soon and hold the bat again

on March 31, 2013, 7:34 GMT

Glad to hear you are doing better.

on March 31, 2013, 7:17 GMT

It really feels light and happy to see you recovering brother. Very happy for you. Take good care about your health bro. We are all there for you. Hope to see you batting soon. God Bless :)

on March 31, 2013, 6:32 GMT

get well soon Jesse we want to see you playing cricket. (sri lanka)

kiwicricketnut
on March 31, 2013, 6:28 GMT

The messiah has arisen ironically at easter time. Great news, good to hear jesse is on the up, also glad they seem to have caught the mongrels who did this, hope they are locked up for a long time and made to pay back the $300,000 he is now missing out on from his ipl contract, financially crippling them for life. That would be true justice but we don't get that in this country,we're a bit weak, good luck jesse on your recovery.

aleandan
on March 31, 2013, 6:19 GMT

Get well soon Bro!! Myself being from India..We all have our true fights in Life...in every nook and corner...to just to have a steady life...and in that life..we look up now and then for inspirations from normal people...just like us! Growing up everyone wants to be clint Eastwood..so we could bash up the baddies...At work..every one wants to be a Ratan Tata or steve job or Bill gates..On a cricket pitch..you are our Hero my friend...a common man's cricketer..living a normal life and yet on the pitch...right up there with the legends as far as the cricketing skills goes! And we never have had enough of you..WE NEED MORE! Be it in Kiwi colors or IPL or the Big bash! so come back ASAP!!Because as Paul Ford rightfully said...YOU ARE OUR CULT HERO!! THE COMMON MAN'S CRICKETER!! Come and do it again...if not for you...but for the millions of your fans worldwide!! Get well soon bro!

on March 31, 2013, 6:04 GMT

we all pakistani love u man get wel soon bro

on March 31, 2013, 5:56 GMT

Really happy to know that he is out of danger. Hopefully he will be back on field soon.......

on March 31, 2013, 5:49 GMT

Get well soon Jesse..... You are one of the best all rounders in modern cricket. So get well soon we want to see you playing cricket...

on March 31, 2013, 5:32 GMT

Get better mate , you missed already before this

on March 31, 2013, 5:11 GMT

Great news. Get well soon eh.

on March 31, 2013, 5:06 GMT

Wishing Jesse speedy recovery and return to competitive cricket

AndrewFromOz
on March 31, 2013, 5:03 GMT

Great news that Jesse is out of ICU. Take it slowly and steady mate and we are all looking forward to see you back in cricket when the time comes.

Sunjay007
on April 1, 2013, 10:02 GMT

Great News.
Hope, like Yuvi earlier, we see 100% recovery and Ryder back in the field soon.
Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on March 31, 2013, 11:14 GMT

Hi Jesse mate, thank you for taking time and acknowledging our messages. I'm very happy that you are out of ICU and are able to articulate what you want to say. This is great news. Great to know that you are recovering well from that brutal assault. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Cricket can wait Jesse. Love from India.

bestway_forward
on March 31, 2013, 10:27 GMT

Great Great news to begin my day.. as my previous wishes will be the ultimate wishes again " wishing you a complete and speedy recovery" Take a good care of yourself Jesse.. Hope to see you back in competitive cricket soon with your flamboyant style of play. Best of luck be always with you jesse!!!!!

enguru
on March 31, 2013, 7:25 GMT

This is Great News. Jesse, You are a "wonderful to watch" attacking batman. I wish that you play Test Cricket for New Zealand very soon again. I pray GOD and Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Recover completely and fully Jesse, cricket will always be there you will be back.

AndrewFromOz
on March 31, 2013, 5:03 GMT

Great news that Jesse is out of ICU. Take it slowly and steady mate and we are all looking forward to see you back in cricket when the time comes.

on March 31, 2013, 5:06 GMT

Wishing Jesse speedy recovery and return to competitive cricket

on March 31, 2013, 5:11 GMT

Great news. Get well soon eh.

on March 31, 2013, 5:32 GMT

Get better mate , you missed already before this

on March 31, 2013, 5:49 GMT

Get well soon Jesse..... You are one of the best all rounders in modern cricket. So get well soon we want to see you playing cricket...

on March 31, 2013, 5:56 GMT

Really happy to know that he is out of danger. Hopefully he will be back on field soon.......

on March 31, 2013, 6:04 GMT

we all pakistani love u man get wel soon bro

aleandan
on March 31, 2013, 6:19 GMT

Get well soon Bro!! Myself being from India..We all have our true fights in Life...in every nook and corner...to just to have a steady life...and in that life..we look up now and then for inspirations from normal people...just like us! Growing up everyone wants to be clint Eastwood..so we could bash up the baddies...At work..every one wants to be a Ratan Tata or steve job or Bill gates..On a cricket pitch..you are our Hero my friend...a common man's cricketer..living a normal life and yet on the pitch...right up there with the legends as far as the cricketing skills goes! And we never have had enough of you..WE NEED MORE! Be it in Kiwi colors or IPL or the Big bash! so come back ASAP!!Because as Paul Ford rightfully said...YOU ARE OUR CULT HERO!! THE COMMON MAN'S CRICKETER!! Come and do it again...if not for you...but for the millions of your fans worldwide!! Get well soon bro!

kiwicricketnut
on March 31, 2013, 6:28 GMT

The messiah has arisen ironically at easter time. Great news, good to hear jesse is on the up, also glad they seem to have caught the mongrels who did this, hope they are locked up for a long time and made to pay back the $300,000 he is now missing out on from his ipl contract, financially crippling them for life. That would be true justice but we don't get that in this country,we're a bit weak, good luck jesse on your recovery.